Bust then boom on slopes

Skiers' dollars have been flowing into the Mt Ruapehu region this season, and the Grand Chateau is reporting boom times.

The eruptions of 1995 and 1996 were economically disastrous for the area, but those lean times have been buried in recent years.

Businesses have reported excellent trade since this ski season opened and are enthusiastic about the prospects until its close on Labour Weekend.

Although weather conditions were not ideal earlier in the season, patrons of the Chateau seem not to have minded in the slightest.

"The inclement weather doesn't appear to have deterred people at all," general manager Kathy Guy said. "In the past they have cut visits short but now they seem to be content to relax and stay around the hotel, go for walks or whatever.

"There seems to have been a resurgence of interest in the mountain - it's wonderful."

Mrs Guy said the Chateau was booming.

"We've had the best July ever and it looks as though it's going to be just as successful in August. Last year was excellent but this year has surpassed that."

Ohakune New World supermarket owner Alan Murdie believed the town's economy was on a high with more visitors passing through.

"We appear to be getting a lot more Asian tourists in this area. In the past it's been mostly New Zealanders."

The Powderhorn Chateau reported a bustling trade this far into the season.

"It's been really good. We're very happy," Annie Scarf, who with husband Paul owns and operates the complex, said. "Trade would definitely be ahead on last year, although it is two-fold with the weather having been against the town and a lot of people waiting to get up to the mountain.

"Now spring is here and there's record snow it's looking really, really good."

- NZPA